The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-11-08
At the Theaters.

GRAND oPERA-HoUSE-'sTHE GYPSY BARON
The Conried Opera Company, began a
brief season at the Grand last night, which in
excellence of vocalization. picturssqueness OF
mounting. and an effectiveness of ensemble is
seldom equaled by travelling organization
''The Gypsy Baron" which Is vaguely defined
as light opera. is a much more pretentious and
difficult composition than others that SINH
larly classified. Indeed. the music at times
arises almost to the dignity OF grand opera. but
with it there are tuneful, melodious. stirring
choruses and passages that liuger long in ones
memory. Mr.. Conried has evidently endeavored
to get together, nearly as can be, perfect
organization, and one person is given pre-
eminence in the company, other than that which
naturally follows superior voca; ability and the
assumption Of leading role Miss Laura Bel
lini. who sings Saff is artistic who has had
the advantage of thorough lyric and dramatic
training and much experienc. Her voice is a
pure, strong soprano, and she sings with excel
lent taste. Her solo in the first act, and her
famous waltz song In the third were sung
beautifully, and deserved the en- thusiastic en-
cores they received. 1t is gratifying to note
the rapid advance Miss Lydia ONeill is making
in her profession. She is attractive personally,
has a very sweet and highly cultivated voice.
and is a clever actress. Her work shows a de-
cided improvement over last year, and is full Of
promise. Mrs. Van Donhof. the coutralto, Mr..
De Lorme, the best tenor robusto that has
Urban and Miss Jennie Reiffreth. present ted
the leading parts up to the standard OF excel
lence attained by the company. while Mr..
Jacques Kruger, always an original comedian,
was very entertaning as Zuspin, the pig dealer.
The best feature of the company ie the chorus,
who not only can sing, but really exert them
selves to do something else to add to the pict-
uresqueness of the performance. This is very
unusual in chorus people There are few stage
pictures moro striking than that of the finale OF
the first act. in which they, arrayed gypsies,
Chamber over the rocks, and make q striking
tableau of color and life The performance was
given with a spriehtliness and thoroughpess
that cannot be too highly commended, and de-
served the enthusiastic reception it met with.
The .'Gysy Baron" will be repeated. tonight
tomorrow afternoon and tomorrow night.
MAUD BANKS AT ENGLIsH's.
Miss Maud Banks, daughter of Gen. N. P.
Banks, new dramatic star, made her first ap-
pearance in Indianapolis last night, at English 8
Opera-house, as the heroic Maid Of Orleans in
the historic drama, Joan OF Arc, )" and was greet
ed by audience very mu CHI smaller than she
deserved. She gave evidence of histrionic
talent of high order, and her performance
was characterized by finish that is usually
acquired through experience only. Her sup
port is far from being as good as
it should be, but two or three mem
bers OF it are very talanted actors, and the
drama is presented with effective scenic sur
roundinRs and proper historic costumes. Miss
Banks and her company will present the play
again tonight, and the engagement will close
morrow evening.
LAURA DAINTY AT THE MUSEUM.
Miss Laura E. Dainty, q lady who has previ-
ously been known only as dramatic reader,
yesterday made her first appearance here an
actress as Sincerity Weeks in the comedy drama,
ga Mountain Pink" the Museum. There
were good audiences at both performances, and
many demonstrations Of approval. Miss Dainty
lie attractive personally, and her acting is
natural and effective. The part is one of much
interest and she plays it excellently while the
support given by the company Is satisfactory.
"a Mountain Pink" will run, afternoon and
evening. until Friday. when it will give place
to Little Barefoot" On Saturday "Fanchon"
will be given. The attraction is one of the best
that has been at tho Museum.
vERNoNA JARBEAU's MUSICAL COMEDY
Vernona Jarbeau, the brightest aud cleverest
of all the musical comedy celebrities, because
she is thoroughly original. will be at the Grand
the latter part of this week in Starlight" piece
in which she is making decided hit. Every
where it is spoken of as being much better than
other musical comedies, and she is said to
have the best s.singing" company on the road.
Will Rising. Richard Carroll, Bessie Cleveland
and other we'll known people are with her. but
Jarbeau herself is a whole show" The attrac-
ton Is unlike any other before the public, and
is one of the signal successes or the season. The
advance sale will begin this morning
Personal and Society.